Recently, a five-alarm fire occurred in Hung Fuk Court, Tai Po, shocking the entire Hong Kong society. This disaster, which lasted for more than a day, not only destroyed the homes of many residents but also drew widespread concern and assistance from various sectors of society. However, amidst the shadow of the disaster, another alarming issue has quietly emerged: rampant fraudulent activities.
The government swiftly took action by establishing a HK$300 million relief fund, offering HK$10,000 in immediate aid to each affected household. The opening of donation accounts by Bank of China, along with fundraising efforts by the Hong Kong Poverty Alleviation Association and Sing Tao News Corporation Charity Fund, reflects society’s care for the victims. Yet, this goodwill has become an opportunity exploited by unscrupulous individuals.
On November 27, the police issued a stern warning: Beware of fraudulent activities impersonating charitable organizations. Particularly alarming is the discovery of scammers posing as Yan Chai Hospital to solicit donations. Yan Chai Hospital has explicitly stated that it has never authorized any third party to collect donations and urged the public to remain vigilant. These fraudsters often distribute fake links or QR codes to deceive well-intentioned citizens.
In the face of such meticulously designed scams, how can citizens protect themselves? Experts recommend taking the following preventive measures: First, always choose reliable official channels when making donations. If encountering any suspicious fundraising appeals, proactively verify with the relevant organizations. Second, never scan QR codes of unknown origin or disclose sensitive personal information—such as ID numbers or bank account details—to strangers.
It is worth noting that these scams are not just about financial loss. More alarmingly, such behavior may erode public trust in charitable causes. Every fraudulent fundraising campaign could hinder those genuinely in need from receiving aid.
The police have provided the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre hotline “18222” for citizens to report suspicious activities. They also advise the public not only to protect themselves but also to remind friends and family to stay vigilant. In this era of rapid information dissemination, everyone can become a guardian against fraud.
Disasters are merciless, but humanity is compassionate. Though the fire in Hung Fuk Court, Tai Po, caused significant damage, the solidarity and care shown by society have become the warmest force. Each of us can adopt a rational and cautious approach—both aiding the victims and safeguarding our own and others’ interests. Remember, goodwill should not be exploited; real help comes from prudence and wisdom.
